Controller which controls a variable optical attenuator to control the power level of a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal when the number of channels are varied

ABSTRACT

An optical amplifying apparatus which includes an optical amplifier, an optical attenuator and a controller. The optical amplifier amplifies a light signal having a variable number of channels. The optical attenuator passes the amplified light signal and has a variable light transmissivity. Prior to varying the number of channels in the light signal, the controller varies the light transmissivity of the optical attenuator so that a power level of the amplified light signal is maintained at an approximately constant level that depends on the number of channels in the light signal prior to the varying the number of channels. While the number of channels in the light signal is being varied, the controller maintains the light transmissivity of the optical attenuator to be constant. Subsequent to varying the number of channels in the light signal, the controller varies the light transmissivity of the optical attenuator so that a power level of the amplified light signal is maintained at an approximately constant level that depends on the number of channels in the light signal subsequent to the varying the number of channels.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 11/742,508,filed Apr. 30, 2007, which is a divisional of application Ser. No.10/956,107, filed Oct. 4, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,227,681, which is adivisional of 10/650,990, filed Aug. 29, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No.6,865,016, which is a divisional application of application Ser. No.10/057,866, filed Jan. 29, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,646,791, which is acontinuation of application number 09/811,787, filed Mar. 20, 2001, nowU.S. Pat. No. 6,377,395, which is a continuation of application Ser. No.09/359,779, filed Jul. 26, 1999, now abandoned, which is a continuationof application Ser. No. 09/158,571, filed Sep. 22, 1998, now U.S. Pat.No. 5,966,237, which is a divisional of application of No. 08/845,847,filed Apr. 28, 1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,025,947, and claims priorityto, Japanese patent application 08-111447, filed May 2, 1996, in Japan,the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/655,027, filed May 28, 1996, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,055,092, and whichis incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fiber optic communication systemwhich uses wavelength division multiplexing to transmit awavelength-multiplexed optical signal. More specifically, the presentinvention relates to a controller which controls an optical attenuatoror an optical amplifier to change the power level of thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal when the number of channels arevaried.

2. Description of the Related Art

Wavelength division multiplexing is used in fiber optic communicationsystems to transfer a relatively large amount of data at a high speed.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional fiber opticcommunication system which uses wavelength division multiplexing totransmit, for example, four channels through a single optical fiber.Referring now to FIG. 1, transmitting units 20-1, 20-2, 20-3 and 20-4transmit individual carriers having wavelengths λ1-λ4, respectively.Each carrier is modulated with information and represents an individualchannel. The different carriers are multiplexed together by an opticalmultiplexer 22 into a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal. Thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal is transmitted through an opticalfiber 24 to an optical demultiplexer 26. Optical demultiplexer 26branches the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal into four separateoptical signals having the wavelengths λ1-λ4, respectively. The fourseparate branched optical signals are then detected by receiving units28-1, 28-2, 28-3 and 28-4, respectively.

While the above optical fiber communication system multiplexes fourcarriers together, it is common practice to multiplex more than fourcarriers. More specifically, many different carriers may be multiplexedtogether. In this manner, a relatively large amount of data can betransmitted through an optical fiber.

An optical amplifier (not illustrated) or an optical repeater (notillustrated) is typically inserted between optical multiplexer 22 andoptical demultiplexer 26, to amplify the wavelength-multiplexed opticalsignal travelling through optical fiber 24. Such an optical amplifier istypically a rare-earth doped optical fiber amplifier which directlyamplifies the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal. That is, arare-earth doped optical fiber amplifier amplifies thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal without converting thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal into an electrical signal.

Unfortunately, the use of a rare-earth doped optical fiber amplifiercauses several problems when the number of channels in thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal is varied. More specifically,during the variation (that is, before the variation in the number ofchannels is complete), the optical power of each channel can undesirablybe varied, thereby causing non-linear degradation or S/N degradation ofthe wavelength-multiplexed optical signal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anoptical amplifying apparatus which reduces non-linear degradation andS/N degradation of a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal when thenumber of channels are varied.

Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth inpart in the description which follows, and, in part, will be obviousfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

The foregoing objects of the present invention are achieved by providingan apparatus which includes an optical amplifier and a controller. Theoptical amplifier amplifies a light signal having a variable number ofchannels. The controller controls a power level of the amplified lightsignal in response to variations in the number of channels in the lightsignal.

More specifically, objects of the present invention are achieved byproviding a controller which (a) prior to, and subsequent to, varyingthe number of channels in the light signal, passes the amplified lightsignal with a varying light transmissivity so that a power level of theamplified light signal is maintained at an approximately constant levelin accordance with the number of channels in the light signal, and, (b)while the number of channels in the light signal is being varied, passesthe amplified light signal with a constant light transmissivity.

Objects of the present invention are also achieved by providing anapparatus which includes an optical amplifier, a controller, ademultiplexer and an automatic level control unit. The optical amplifieramplifies a light signal having a variable number of channels. Thecontroller controls the amplified light signal in response to variationsin the number of channels in the light signal. The demultiplexerdemultiplexes the controlled, amplified light signal into individualsignals. The automatic level control unit controls the power level of arespective individual signal so that the power level of the individualsignal is maintained to be approximately constant.

Objects of the present invention are also achieved by providing anapparatus which includes an automatic level control unit and an opticalfiber amplifier. The automatic level control unit maintains a powerlevel of a light signal to be approximately constant and produces acorresponding output signal. The optical fiber amplifier amplifies theoutput signal of the automatic level control unit with a constant gain.

Objects of the present invention are further achieved by providing anoptical amplifier and a controller. The optical amplifier amplifies alight signal having a variable number of channels. Prior to, andsubsequent to, varying the number of channels in the light signal, thecontroller maintains a power level of the amplified light signal at anapproximately constant level in accordance with the number of channelsin the light signal. While the number of channels in the light signal isbeing varied, the controller amplifies the amplified light signal withan approximately constant gain.

Moreover, objects of the present invention are achieved by providing anapparatus which includes an optical amplifier, an optical attenuator anda controller. The optical amplifier amplifies a light signal having avariable number of channels. The optical attenuator passes the amplifiedlight signal and has a variable light transmissivity. Prior to varyingthe number of channels in the light signal, the controller varies thelight transmissivity of the optical attenuator so that a power level ofthe amplified light signal is maintained at an approximately constantlevel that depends on the number of channels in the light signal priorto the varying the number of channels. While the number of channels inthe light signal is being varied, the controller maintains the lighttransmissivity of the optical attenuator to be constant. Subsequent tovarying the number of channels in the light signal, the controllervaries the light transmissivity of the optical attenuator so that apower level of the amplified light signal is maintained at anapproximately constant level that depends on the number of channels inthe light signal subsequent to the varying the number of channels.

Objects of the present invention are also achieved by providing a methodfor controlling a light signal having a variable number of channels andamplified by an optical amplifier. The method includes the steps of: (a)prior to, and subsequent to, varying the number of channels in the lightsignal, passing the amplified light signal with a varying lighttransmissivity so that a power level of the amplified light signal ismaintained at an approximately constant level in accordance with thenumber of channels in the light signal, and, (b) while the number ofchannels in the light signal is being varied, passing the amplifiedlight signal with a constant light transmissivity.

Objects of the present invention are achieved by providing a method forcontrolling a light signal having a variable number of channels andamplified by an optical amplifier, wherein the method includes the stepsof: (a) prior to, and subsequent to, varying the number of channels inthe light signal, maintaining a power level of the amplified lightsignal at an approximately constant level in accordance with the numberof channels in the light signal, and, (b) while the number of channelsin the light signal is being varied, amplifying the amplified lightsignal with an approximately constant gain.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent and more readily appreciated from the following description ofthe preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings of which:

FIG. 1 (prior art) is a diagram illustrating a conventional fiber opticcommunication system.

FIG. 2 (prior art) is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifyingapparatus for a fiber optic communication system which uses wavelengthdivision multiplexing.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are graphs illustrating the operation of the opticalamplifying apparatus in FIG. 3, wherein the number of channels, N, in anoptical signal is changed, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an automatic gain control circuit,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating automatic level control circuit,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a switching circuit of the automaticlevel control circuit in FIG. 6, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating an automatic level controlcircuit, according to additional embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating modification to the optical amplifyingapparatus illustrated in FIG. 16, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 18(A) is a graph illustrating gain versus wavelengthcharacteristics of a rare-earth-doped optical fiber (EDF) in an opticalamplifying apparatus, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 18(B) is a graph illustrating the transmissivity of an opticalfilter in an optical amplifying apparatus, according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 18(C) is a graph illustrating overall gain of the rare-earth-dopedoptical fiber (EDF) in FIG. 18(A) and the optical filter in FIG. 18(B),according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a more detailed diagram of a portion of the opticalamplifying apparatus in FIG. 23, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a fiber optic communication systememploying an optical amplifying apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 26 is a more detailed diagram illustrating the optical amplifyingapparatus of FIG. 25, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a transmission line employing aplurality of optical amplifying apparatuses, according to an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a timing diagram illustrating the operation of an opticalamplifying apparatus, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a portion of an optical communicationsystem, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustratedin the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus for afiber optic communication system which uses wavelength divisionmultiplexing, and is similar to that disclosed in related to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/655,027, which is incorporated herein byreference

Referring now to FIG. 2, the optical amplifying apparatus includes afirst part 1000 (sometimes referred to herein as a “rare-earth-dopedoptical fiber amplifier part”) and a second part 2000 (sometimesreferred to herein as an “electrically-controlled optical device part”).

First part 1000 includes a rare-earth-doped optical fiber (EDF) 34,optical branching couplers 36 ₁ and 36 ₂, optical isolators 38 ₁ and 38₂, photodiodes 40 ₁, and 40 ₂, an optical wavelength multiplexingcoupler 42, a pump laser diode (LD) 44 and an automatic optical gaincontrol circuit (AGC) 46.

Second part 2000 includes optical branching coupler 36 ₃, anelectrically-controlled variable optical attenuator (ATT) 48, aphotodiode (PD) 40 ₃ and an automatic level control circuit (ALC) 50.Optical attenuator 48 is, for example, constructed of a magnetoopticalelement. However, many different types of variable optical attenuatorscan be used.

A wavelength-multiplexed optical signal is fed to rare-earth-dopedoptical fiber 34 via optical branching coupler 36 ₁, optical isolator 38and optical wavelength multiplexing coupler 42. A pump light beam issupplied by pump laser diode 44 to rare-earth-doped optical fiber 38 viaoptical wavelength multiplexing coupler 42. The wavelength-multiplexedoptical signal is amplified by rare-earth-doped optical fiber 34 andinput to optical attenuator 48 via optical isolator 38 ₂ and opticalbranching coupler 36 ₂.

A portion of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal branched byoptical branching coupler 36 ₁ is converted into an electrical signal byphotodiode 40 ₁ and input to automatic optical gain control circuit 46.A portion of the amplified wavelength-multiplexed optical signalbranched by optical branching coupler 36 ₂ is converted into anelectrical signal by photodiode 40 ₂ and input to automatic optical gaincontrol circuit 46. Pump laser diode 44 is controlled so as to maintaina ratio between a level of the input wavelength-multiplexed opticalsignal and a level of the amplified wavelength-multiplexed opticalsignal at a predetermined level.

More specifically, optical gain control circuit 46 controls pump laserdiode 44 so as to maintain, at a constant level, the ratio between thelevel of the input wavelength-multiplexed optical signal as convertedinto an electrical signal by the photodiode 40 ₁ and the level of theamplified wavelength-multiplexed optical signal as converted into anelectrical signal by the photodiode 40 ₂. In this manner, first part1000 conserves the wavelength dependence by controlling the optical gainat a constant level.

A portion of an output wavelength-multiplexed optical signal branched byoptical branching coupler 36 ₃ is converted into an electrical signal byphotodiode 40 ₃ and input to automatic level control circuit 50. Opticalattenuator 48 is controlled so as to maintain the wavelength-multiplexedoptical signal at a predetermined level.

More specifically, automatic level control circuit 50 controls opticalattenuator 48 using the electrical signal derived by photodiode 40 ₃from the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal, so as to maintain theoutput level of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal at a constantlevel.

Unfortunately, when an optical amplifying apparatus, as illustrated inFIG. 2, is used in a fiber optic communication system which useswavelength division multiplexing, a variation in the number of channelsused in the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal can cause significantproblems.

For example, a predetermined output optical power of an amplifier isgenerally required for each wavelength (channel) so as to ensure adesired S/N ratio in a receiver. Assuming there are a total of Nchannels, the total optical output Pc of a rare-earth-doped opticalfiber amplifier for amplifying a wavelength-multiplexed optical signalis controlled to be N×P. In the presence of a variation of +α or −α inthe number of channels N, switching control is effected so that thetotal optical power is (N±α)P. Because the optical power for individualwavelengths (channels) varies due to the switching control, non-lineardegradation or signal-to-noise (S/N) degradation may result.

Further, in FIG. 2, the optical output of first part 1000 is to bemaintained at a constant level by second part 2000. Therefore, when theoptical output of first part 1000 exceeds a predetermined level, secondpart 2000 maintains the optical output at a constant level. As a result,the use of optical attenuator 48 will require an extra measure ofamplification by first part 32, and the output power of pump laser diode44 for maintaining the optical gain at a constant level should becontrolled to be in an exponential relation to a variation in the levelof the input wavelength-multiplexed optical signal. Therefore, it isnecessary to provide a relatively high-capacity pump laser diode 44.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an embodiment of the present invention. The opticalamplifying apparatus includes a first part 1000 and a second part 2000.First part 1000 includes a rare-earth-doped optical fiber (EDF) 52 ₁,optical branching couplers 54 ₁ and 54 ₂, optical isolators 55 ₁ and 55₂, an optical wavelength multiplexing coupler 56 ₁, photodiodes (PD) 58₁ and 58 ₂, a pump laser diode (LD) 59 ₁, and an automatic gain controlcircuit (AGC) 60 ₁. First part 1000 amplifies a wavelength-multiplexedoptical signal while conserving wavelength dependence.

As an example, a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal is typically inthe 1.5 μm band. An erbium-doped optical fiber is known to amplifyoptical signals in this band, and is therefore used as rare-earth-dopedoptical fiber (EDF) 52 ₁. Moreover, to appropriately amplify awavelength-multiplexed optical signal in the 1.5 μm band travellingthrough an erbium-doped optical fiber, it is known to use pump light ofa 0.98 μm or 1.48 μm pump band. Therefore, pump laser diode (LD) 59 ₁provides pump light in the 0.98 μm or 1.48 μm pump band.

Moreover, FIG. 3 shows a forward pumping construction in which a pumplight beam emitted by pump laser diode 59 ₁ travels throughrare-earth-doped optical fiber 52 ₁ in the same direction as thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal. However, a backward pumpingconstruction could also be used, where a laser diode provides a pumplight beam which travels through rare-earth-doped optical fiber 52 ₁ inthe opposite direction as the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal.Further, a bi-directional pumping construction could be used, where twolaser diodes provide pump light which travels through rare-earth-dopedoptical fiber 52 ₁ in both directions through rare-earth-doped opticalfiber 52 ₁. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited toany specific type of directional pumping.

Second part 2000 includes an electrically-controlled variable opticalattenuator (ATT) 64, an automatic level control circuit (ALC) 66,optical branching coupler 54 ₃ and a photodiode (PD) 58 ₃. Second part2000 controls the total optical output of a wavelength-multiplexedoptical signal to be at a constant level, without conserving wavelengthdependence. More specifically, automatic level control circuit 66 variesthe attenuation, or light transmissivity, of optical attenuator 64 sothat the power of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal, as outputfrom first part 1000, is maintained at a constant power levelcorresponding to the number of channels in the wavelength-multiplexedoptical signal.

Moreover, when the number of channels in the wavelength-multiplexedoptical signal is being varied, a monitor signal processing circuit 70causes the attenuation, or light transmissivity, of optical attenuator64 to be maintained constant. Thus, monitor signal processing circuit 70temporarily “freezes” the operation of optical attenuator 64. After thenumber of channels has been changed, monitor signal processing circuit70 allows the attenuation, or light transmissivity, of opticalattenuator 64 to be varied so that the power of thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal is maintained at a constant levelin accordance with the new number of channels.

More specifically, the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal input tothe optical amplifying apparatus is branched by an optical branchingcoupler 68 ₁. The branched portion is provided to a photodiode (PD) 58₄. Photodiode (PD) 58 ₄ converts the branched portion into an electricalsignal ______d provides the electrical signal to monitor signalprocessing circuit 70.

A control signal, which warns of a variation in the number of channelsin the wavelength-multiplexed optical transmission system, issuperimposed on the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal preferably asa low-speed signal through an amplitude modulation process. However,other methods can be used to superimpose the control signal. Monitorsignal processing circuit 70 extracts and identifies the control signal.Monitor signal processing circuit 70 then controls optical attenuator 64or automatic level control circuit 66 in accordance with the extractedcontrol signal. If amplitude modulation is used, it is relatively easyto extract the control signal by demodulating the electrical signalobtained by photodiode 58 ₄.

Alternatively, the control signal may be transmitted to monitor signalprocessing circuit 70 on a dedicated control channel (wavelength). If adedicated control channel is used, an optical branching filter (notillustrated) should extract the control signal out of thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal (as branched by optical branchingcoupler 68 ₁). For example, by feeding the optical signal extracted bythe optical branching filter to photodiode 58 ₄ so as to be convertedinto an electrical signal, it is possible to extract the control signal.

Therefore, a portion of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signalbranched by optical branching coupler 68 ₁ is converted into anelectrical signal by photodiode 58 ₄ and fed to monitor signalprocessing circuit 70. Monitor signal processing circuit 70 “freezes” anoperation of optical attenuator 64, when a control signal warning of avariation in the number of channels is extracted and identified.

In order to ensure that the power level of the attenuatedwavelength-multiplexed optical signal matches the number of channels,monitor signal processing circuit 70 causes a set voltage (referencevoltage) to be selected. The power level can then be controlled to be ata constant level corresponding to the set voltage.

Generally, there are two approaches for monitor signal processingcircuit 70 to control optical attenuator 64. In one approach, opticalattenuator 64 is directly controlled by monitor signal processingcircuit 70, as illustrated by control signal 69 in FIG. 3. In analternative approach, optical attenuator 64 is indirectly controlled bymonitor signal processing circuit 70, as illustrated by control line 71in FIG. 3.

The number of channels may actually be increased or decreased after awarning for a change in the number of channels. In this instance, acontrol signal, which indicates the completion of the change in thenumber of channels, is superimposed on the wavelength-multiplexedoptical signal. Monitor signal processing circuit 70 then extracts thecontrol signal. Alternatively, the control signal may be transmitted tomonitor signal processing circuit 70 on a dedicated control channel(wavelength). Upon extracting and identifying the control signal,monitor signal processing circuit 70 allows optical attenuator 64 toresume its control for maintaining the power level of thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal at a constant level.

Alternatively, instead of providing monitor signal processing circuit 70with a control signal indicating the completion of the change in thenumber of channels, such completion can be assumed after a predeterminedperiod of time elapses. More specifically, the number of channels mayactually be increased or decreased after lapse of a predetermined periodof time since the warning for a change in the number of channels isgiven. In this instance, after the control signal for giving warning ofa variation in the number of channels is extracted and identified bymonitor signal processing signal 70, a timer (not illustrated) isactivated. When a predetermined period of time has passed, opticalattenuator 64 is driven again to maintain the power level of thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal at a constant level.

Whether a control signal or a predetermined period of time is used toindicate the completion of a variation in the number of channels, theset voltage (reference voltage) for controlling the power level isswitched from one level to another in accordance with informationrelating to how many channels are added or removed. This information ispreferably included in the control signal for warning of a variation inthe number of channels. Therefore, by resuming the control formaintaining the total optical output power at a constant level, theoptical output is maintained at a constant level that matches the numberof channels.

Therefore, in response to a change in the number of channels, opticalattenuator 64 prevents a radical variation in the optical output power,by having its attenuation frozen at a constant level. At this time,second part 2000 no longer operates to maintain the power of thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal at a constant level. After thenumber of channels is changed, optical attenuator 64 is again controlledto maintain the power of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal at aconstant level. Optical attenuator 64 may gradually be driven so that atotal output power corresponding to the number of channels ismaintained. With this arrangement, it is possible to moderate avariation in the optical output and avoid non-linear degradation and S/Nratio degradation.

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are graphs illustrating the operation of the opticalamplifying apparatus in FIG. 3, wherein the number of channels, N, in anoptical signal is changed from, for example, four channels to eightchannels. Referring now to FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), optical attenuator 64has a variable light transmissivity, or attenuation, which is controlledby automatic level control circuit 66 an monitor signal processingcircuit 70.

In FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), a warning of a change in the number of channelsis received at time t1, and the number of channels are increased at timet2.

Before a warning of a change in the number of channels is received (thatis, before time t1), automatic level control circuit 66 varies the lighttransmissivity of electrically-controlled variable optical attenuator 64to provide a substantially constant optical signal power at the outputof optical attenuator 64. Therefore, before time t1, second part 2000performs automatic level control (ALC).

When a warning of a change in the number of channels is received (thatis, at time t1), automatic level control circuit 66 maintains the lighttransmissivity of electrically-controlled variable optical attenuator 64to be substantially constant. In this case, the output of opticalattenuator 64 can be seen has having a constant gain which is provided,for example, by first part 1000 or by a later stage (not illustrated)which further amplifies the signal. Therefore, after time t1, automaticgain control (AGC), not automatic level control (ALC), is performed.

At time t3, subsequent to a change in the number of channels, automaticlevel control circuit 66 varies the light transmissivity ofelectrically-controlled variable optical attenuator 64 to provide asubstantially constant optical signal power at the output of opticalattenuator 64. More specifically, after time t3, second part 2000 againperforms automatic level control (ALC).

As can be seen from FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), optical attenuator 64 iscontrolled to provide ALC. However, when the number of channels is beingchanged, ALC is halted. Instead, when the number of channels is beingchanged, optical attenuator 64 is controlled to provide a constant lighttransmissivity, or attenuation. The operation of optical attenuator 64can be described as being “frozen” when the number of channels is beingchanged between times t1 and t3 in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B).

As described above, between times t1 and t3, the output of opticalattenuator 64 has a constant gain which is provided, for example, byfirst part 1000 or by a later stage (not illustrated) which furtheramplifies the signal. Alternatively, as disclosed in additionalembodiments of the present invention described in more detail below,second part 2000 can be modified so that it provides a constant gain(instead of providing automatic level control) while the number ofchannels is being changed. In this case, second part 2000 could includea gain controlled amplifier to provide a constant gain for AGC betweentimes t1 and t3.

Therefore, as, illustrated in FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B), an optical amplifyingapparatus includes an optical amplifier (such as first part 1000) whichamplifies a light signal having a variable number of channels. Prior to,and subsequent to, varying the number of channels in the light signal, acontroller (such as second part 2000) passes the amplified light signalwith a varying light transmissivity so that a power level of theamplified light signal is maintained at an approximately constant levelin accordance with the number of channels in the light signal. Further,while the number of channels in the light signal is being varied, thecontroller passes the amplified light signal with a constant lighttransmissivity.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating automatic gain control circuit 60 ₁,for controlling an optical gain to be at a constant level. Referring nowto FIG. 5, automatic gain control circuit 60 ₁ includes a divider 72, anoperational amplifier 74, a transistor 76 and resistors R1-R6. V_(cc) isa power supply voltage, V_(ref) is a reference voltage, and G is theearth or ground.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, photodiode (PD) 58 ₁ converts a portion of thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal into an electrical signal which isprovided to divider 72. Photodiode (PD) 58 ₂ converts a portion of theamplified wavelength-multiplexed optical signal into an electricalsignal which is provided to divider 72. In this manner, divider 72obtains a ratio between the input and the output of rare-earth-dopedoptical fiber (EDF) 52 ₁. The pump light beam emitted by pump laserdiode 59 ₁ can then be controlled to produce a constant ratio, therebyproviding a constant gain. The configuration of automatic gain controlcircuit 60 ₁ in FIG. 5 is just one example of many possibleconfigurations for an automatic gain control circuit.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating automatic level control circuit 66, forcontrolling an optical output at a constant level. Referring now to FIG.6, automatic level control circuit 66 includes resistors R7-R9, anoperational amplifier 78, a transistor 80, a switching circuit (SWC) 82and a reference voltage circuit 84. V_(cc) is the power supply voltage,V_(ref) is a reference voltage, G is the earth or ground, and cs1 andcs2 are control signals provided by monitor signal processing circuit70. A control element 86 is a control element of optical attenuator 64for controlling the transmissivity of optical attenuator 64.

For example, if optical attenuator 64 is operated by a magnetoopticaleffect, control element 86 may be a coil for applying a magnetic field.Moreover, for example, if optical attenuator is operated by anopto-electrical effect, the control element 86 may be an electrode,where the voltage applied to the electrode is controlled. If asemiconductor optical amplifier is used instead of optical attenuator64, a bias voltage for controlling the gain of the semiconductor opticalamplifier can be controlled.

A portion of the optical signal output from optical attenuator 64 (seeFIG. 3) is branched by optical branching coupler 54 ₃ and converted intoan electrical signal by photodiode (PD) 58 ₃. Then, in FIG. 6,operational amplifier 18 compares the electrical signal with thereference voltage (set voltage) V_(ref) supplied by reference voltagecircuit 84 in accordance with control signal CS1. A difference obtainedas a result of the comparison is used to drive transistor 80. Bycontrolling a current supplied to control element 86, the attenuationprovided by optical attenuator 64 is controlled so that the opticaloutput is maintained at a constant level.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating switching circuit 82. Referring now toFIG. 7, switching circuit 82 includes capacitors C1 and C2 which areindividually selected with a switch SW that is controlled by the controlsignal CS2. Therefore, switching circuit 82 controls the frequencycharacteristic of automatic level control circuit 66. Moreover,switching circuit 82 controls optical attenuator 64 by controllingtransistor 80 by following the level of the outputwavelength-multiplexed optical signal with a predetermined frequencycharacteristic. The control signal cs2 from monitor signal processingcircuit 70 changes the frequency characteristic by switching betweencapacitors C1 and C2 of switching circuit 82. The control signal cs1switches between different levels of the reference voltages inaccordance with the number of channels.

More specifically, switching circuit 82, coupled with operationalamplifier 78 (see FIG. 6) and resistors R7 (see FIG. 6) and R9 (see FIG.6), forms a primary low-pass filter. The cut-off frequency, f_(c), ofthis primary low-pass filter is:

f _(c)=1/(2πR9·C _(SWC)9),

where C_(SWC) is the selected capacitor C₁ or C₂. Therefore, byincreasing the value of the capacitance C_(SWC), the control circuitryshown in FIG. 6 is operated at a lower frequency. That is, the responsethereof is slowed down.

Therefore, depending on the capacitance of the selected capacitor C1 orC2 of switching circuit 82, the filter cut-off frequency in thehigh-frequency zone can be changed.

As an example, a preferably arrangement may be that the cut-offfrequency, which is on the order of 10-100 kHz in the normal ALCoperation, be switched to 0.01 Hz when optical attenuator 64 iscontrolled to provide a constant attenuation (for example, to therebyprovide a constant gain when the channels are being switched). Ideally,the control of switching circuit 82 occurs gradually, but a gradualcontrol requires that switching circuit 82 be constructed of a number ofcapacitors, instead of simply two capacitors.

Referring to FIG. 6, the cut-off frequency is high before a warning of achange in channels is received. When a signal warning of a change in thenumber of channels is received, switching circuit 82 is controlled sothat the cut-off frequency is lowered. Accordingly, the attenuationprovided by optical attenuator 64 is fixed at an average level. Afterthe change in channels is completed, switching circuit 82 is controlledso that the cut-off frequency is switched again to be high.

For example, when monitor signal-processing circuit 70 extracts andidentifies a control signal which warns of a variation in the number ofchannels, control signal cs2 is supplied to switching circuit 82 so thatthe frequency characteristic of automatic level control circuit 66 isswitched to a low frequency zone. As a result, the following performancefor following a variation in the signal detected by photodiode (PD) 58 ₃is lowered. That is, the constant-level control of the optical output istemporarily frozen (for example, the light transmissivity of opticalattenuator 64 is maintained to be constant). Further, control signal cs1corresponds to the number of channels to be included in the opticalsignal, and monitor signal processing circuit 70 supplies the controlsignal cs1 to reference voltage circuit 84. Reference voltage circuit 84then supplies a reference voltage V_(ref) corresponding to the number ofchannels. Therefore, the total optical output power assumes a levelmatching the number of channels after the variation in the number ofchannels. For example, the reference voltage V_(ref) is changed suchthat, when a total of α channels are added to the total of N originalchannels, the total optical output becomes (N+α)×P.

Referring, again to FIGS. 6 and 7, the value of the capacitance C_(SWC)may be large enough to freeze the operation of optical attenuator 64.Generally, this purpose may be achieved if, for example, the cut-offfrequency f_(c) is dropped from 10 kHz to 0.01 Hz, thereby requiring adrop in the cut-off frequency f_(c) by the factor of 10,000 to 100,000.Such a large drop can be difficult to achieve.

Normally, the attenuation provided by optical attenuator 64 is varyingfrom moment to moment to provide an ALC function and to compensate for apolarization variation. Therefore, abruptly fixing the attenuation ofoptical attenuator 64 at a certain level (such as when the number ofchannels are being changed) may cause problems. Instead, the attenuationis preferably maintained at an average level.

More specifically, FIGS. 8 and 9 are diagrams illustrating automaticlevel control circuit 66, according to additional embodiments of thepresent invention. Referring now to FIG. 8, a filter 90 for cutting offhigh frequencies (f_(c): ˜10 KHz) and constructed of a capacitor and aresistor is provided between a switch 92 and transistor 80 so that theresponse of the automatic level control becomes adequate. For example,the time constant, typically on the order of sub-milliseconds, may bechanged to the time constant on the order of 10-100 milliseconds.

When the cut-off frequency f_(c) is switched to the high-frequency zone,the filter response becomes quick so that a comparatively high-speedvariation, such as a polarization variation, can be cancelled and theoutput of optical attenuator 64 is maintained constant.

More specifically, in FIG. 8, a latch circuit 94 which has a low-passfilter (f_(c): ˜0.01 Hz) stores a voltage corresponding to an averagelevel of the current in control element 86. During an ALC operation,switching of the control loop occurs so that the control loop forcontrolling the drive current at a constant level is initiated. That is,when the switching of the control loop occurs, the voltage correspondingto the average level of the current is latched in latch circuit 94 so asto serve as a reference voltage. The term “average level” is usedbecause the bias current has a time-dependent variation in order tomaintain the level of the beam input to photodiode (PD) 58 ₃ at aconstant level. More specifically, the voltage obtained by integrationusing a more extended integral time than that provided by the timeconstant of the normal control loop is latched in latch circuit 94.

Latch circuit 94 may be a circuit for reading the value of the drivingcurrent (provided by transistor 80) via an A/D converter, registeringthe read value and outputting the registered value via a D/A converter.

FIG. 9 is a combination of FIGS. 6 and 8. Referring now to FIG. 9, thecapacitance C_(SWC) is switched by switching circuit 82 to cause thecut-off frequency f_(c) to be shifted to a low-frequency zone, tothereby slow the filter response. Thereupon, latch circuit 94 controlsthe attenuation to the average based on a monitored value.

More specifically, in FIG. 9, switching of the control loop is made tooccur after increasing the time constant of the normal control loopaccording to the control illustrated in FIG. 6, so as to reduce aneffect caused in the ALC characteristic as a result of the switching ofthe control loop.

As has been described above, monitor signal processing circuit 70 mayreceive a control signal for reporting completion of a variation in thenumber of channels after it receives a control signal for giving warningof a variation in the number of channels. Alternatively, however,monitor signal processing circuit 70 may not receive a control signalwhen the variation in the number of channels is complete. In this case,a timer (not illustrated) would be activated after the control signalfor giving warning of a variation in the number of channels is extractedand identified.

The control signal cs2 returns switching circuit 82 to the originalfrequency characteristic after the control signal for reporting acompletion of a variation in the number of channels is received, orafter a predetermined period of time has passed. Thereupon, the constantoptical output control is resumed in accordance with the new referencevoltage V_(ref) set by reference voltage circuit 84.

The control for maintaining the total optical output at a constant levelthat corresponds to the number of channels may be resumed in a gradualmanner. For example, the output signal of photodiode (PD) 58 ₃ may beinput to operational amplifier 78 via a time constant circuit 96, orreference voltage V_(ref) may be gradually varied to assume a level thatcorresponds to the number of channels.

While the above-described arrangement ensures that the frequencycharacteristic is switched as a result of the control effected byswitching circuit 82 so that the constant-level control of the opticaloutput is frozen, it is also possible to hold the signal output byphotodiode (PD) 58 ₃ when the control signal for giving warning of avariation in the number of channels is extracted and identified. In thisinstance, the held value is input to operational amplifier 78 so thatthe constant-level control of the optical output is frozen. Otherarrangements for freezing the constant-level control of the opticaloutput are also possible. While it is assumed that theelectrically-controlled optical device part is constructed using opticalattenuator 64, a semiconductor optical amplifier can be used instead ofoptical attenuator 64. The semiconductor optical amplifier should have asmall wavelength dependence. By controlling the semiconductor opticalamplifier, the total optical output may be controlled at a constantlevel.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.Referring now to FIG. 10, the optical amplifying apparatus includesfirst part 1000, second part 2000 and a third part 3000. Third part 3000includes a rare-earth-doped optical fiber (EDF) 52 ₂, an opticalbranching coupler 54 ₄, an optical wavelength multiplexing coupler 56 ₂,optical isolators 55 ₃ and 55 ₄, a photodiode (PD) 58 ₅, a pump laserdiode (LD) 59 ₂ and an automatic gain control circuit (AGC) 60 ₂. Thirdpart 3000 also shares optical branching coupler 54 ₃ and the photodiode(PD) 58 ₃ with second part 2000.

As with first part 1000, third part 3000 controls an optical gain to beat a constant level. More specifically, second part 2000 controls thepower level of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal received bythird part 3000 to be at a constant power level. As a result, theoptical output power level of third part 3000 is also maintained at aconstant power level. Even when the optical signal level is attenuatedby optical attenuator 64 of second part 2000, amplification provided bythird part 3000 ensures that a desired total optical output is obtained.

Therefore, pump laser diode 59 ₁ of first part 1000 and pump laser diode59 ₂ of third part 3000 can each have a relatively small capacity,thereby reducing the cost and stabilization of the amplifying apparatus.

Although FIG. 10 shows second part 2000 and third part 3000 sharingoptical branching coupler 54 ₃ and photodiode (PD) 58 ₃, it is alsopossible to provide a separate optical branching coupler and a separatephotodiode in each of the second part 2000 and the third part 3000.

Automatic gain control circuits 60 ₁ and 60 ₂ may have the sameconfiguration. Moreover, the optical gains provided by first part 1000and third part 3000 may be identical. Alternatively, the gains may bevaried according to the characteristics of a transmission optical fiberused in third part 3000.

In the event of a variation in the number of channels, the opticalattenuation provided by optical attenuator 64 is frozen directly bymonitor signal processing circuit 70, or by monitor signal processingcircuit 70 controlling automatic level control circuit 66. Similar tothe embodiment shown in FIG. 3, it is ensured that a variation in theoptical output in response to a variation in the number of channels isrestricted so that non-linear degradation and S/N ratio degradation arereduced.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Referringnow to FIG. 11, the optical amplifying apparatus includes first part1000, second part 2000 and third part 3000, which are the same as thatshow in FIG. 10. However, the optical amplifying apparatus in FIG. 11also includes an automatic level control (ALC) correction circuit 98 forcontrolling and correcting automatic level control circuit 66 of secondpart 2000.

More specifically, a portion of the wavelength-multiplexed opticalsignal output by optical attenuator 64 is branched by optical branchingcoupler 54 ₃, converted into an electrical signal by photodiode (PD) 58₃ and input to automatic level control circuit 66. Automatic levelcontrol circuit 66 controls optical attenuator 64 so that the totaloptical output power of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal ismaintained at a constant level. However, the optical output power of theoutput wavelength-multiplexed optical signal in third part 3000 is notfed to automatic level control circuit 66. Therefore, it cannot beensured that the total optical output in the third part 3000 ismaintained within a predetermined range.

Accordingly, a portion of the output wavelength multiplexed opticalsignal in the third part 3000 is converted into an electrical signal byphotodiode (PD) 58 ₅ and input to ALC correction circuit 98 as well asto automatic gain control circuit 60 ₂. ALC correction circuit 98determines whether or not the total optical output power is maintainedwithin the predetermined range. If the total optical output power is notwithin the predetermined range, ALC correction circuit 98 controlsautomatic level control circuit 66 which, in turn, controls opticalattenuator 64 to maintain the total optical output power within thepredetermined range. If a semiconductor optical amplifier is used inplace of optical attenuator 64, automatic level control circuit 66controls the gain of the semiconductor optical amplifier so that thetotal optical output in third part 3000 is maintained within thepredetermined level.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an embodiment of the present invention. The opticalamplifying apparatus in FIG. 12 is a combination of the opticalamplifying apparatuses in FIGS. 10 and 11.

Referring now to FIG. 12, in the event of a variation in the number ofchannels, monitor signal processing circuit 70 temporarily freezes thecontrol effected by second part 2000 for controlling the optical outputat a constant level, so that a variation in the optical output isreduced. Further, ALC correction circuit 98 controls automatic levelcontrol circuit 66 so as to maintain the total optical output power inthird part 3000 within a predetermined range.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. Theoptical amplifying apparatus in FIG. 13 operates in a similar manner aspreviously described embodiments of the present invention, but alsoincludes an optical branching coupler 54 ₅, a photodiode (PD) 58 ₆, adispersion compensation fiber (DCF) 100 and a dispersion compensationfiber (DCF) loss correction circuit 102. Optical branching coupler 54 ₅and photodiode (PD) 58 ₆ can be considered to be included in third part3000.

Dispersion compensation fiber 100 is connected between second part 2000and third part 3000. DCF loss correction circuit 102 controls automaticlevel control circuit 66. In a long-distance, high-capacity,wavelength-multiplexing optical transmission system, dispersioncompensation in relation to the dispersion level of the transmissionoptical fiber and the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal isnecessary. For this reason, dispersion compensation fiber 100 isprovided.

However, insertion loss due to a distribution compensation optical fibercan cause problems. More specifically, a variation in a loss due to thedistribution compensation optical fiber causes a variation in theoptical output of repeaters which include wavelength-multiplexed opticalfiber amplifiers.

Therefore, by measuring a loss due to dispersion compensation fiber 100and setting automatic level control circuit 66 so as to compensate forthe loss, optical attenuator 64 is controlled to provide a constantoptical output. The loss due to dispersion compensation optical fiber100 is likely to vary depending on a level of dispersion compensation.Accordingly, even with the constant optical output control effected byautomatic level control circuit 66, the level of thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal input to third part 3000 may vary.

Therefore, a portion of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal outputby dispersion compensation optical fiber 100 and branched by opticalbranching coupler 54 ₅ is converted into an electrical signal byphotodiode (PD) 58 ₆. The electrical signal is input to DCF losscorrection circuit 102 as well as to automatic gain control circuit 60₂. DCF loss correction circuit 102 determines whether or not the levelof the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal output by dispersioncompensation fiber 100 is within a predetermined range. If the level isoutside the predetermined range, DCF loss correction circuit 102supplies a correction signal to automatic level control circuit 66. Forexample, the reference voltage (set voltage) for constant control of theoptical output is corrected such that the optical output power is withinthe predetermined range. Therefore, a variation in insertion loss thatresults in a construction where dispersion compensation fiber 100compensates for the dispersion in the transmission optical fiber iscorrected, and a predetermined output level of the amplifiedwavelength-multiplexed optical signal is obtained.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an additional embodiment of the present invention.Referring now to FIG. 14, when monitor signal processing circuit 70extracts and identities a control signal for giving warning of avariation in the number of channels, the operation of optical attenuator64 is frozen (that is, the transmissivity or the attenuation ismaintained to be constant), so that a rapid variation in the opticalsignal level is restricted. DCF loss correction circuit 102 controlsautomatic level control circuit 66 so as to correct a loss that variesdepending on the level of dispersion compensation provided by dispersioncompensation fiber 100. Thus, the level of the wavelength-multiplexedoptical signal input to third part 3000 is maintained within apredetermined range.

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Referringnow to FIG. 15, dispersion compensation fiber 100 compensates fordispersion in the transmission optical fiber, DCF loss correctioncircuit 102 corrects a variation in the loss depending on the level ofcompensation provided by dispersion compensation fiber 100, and ALCcorrection circuit 98 controls automatic level control circuit 66 so asto maintain the level of the output wavelength-multiplexed opticalsignal in third part 3000 within a predetermined range. Thus, thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal in the wavelength-multiplexedoptical transmission system is amplified, relayed and transmitted in astable manner.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to a still further embodiment of the present invention.Referring now to FIG. 16, monitor signal processing circuit 70 controlsoptical attenuator 64 or automatic level control circuit 66 uponextracting and identifying a control signal for giving warning of avariation in the number of channels, so as to freeze constant-levelcontrol of the optical output. In this manner, a rapid variation in thelevel of the optical output is restricted.

Further, DCF loss correction circuit 102 controls automatic levelcontrol circuit 66 so as to correct a variation in the loss that dependson the level of dispersion provided by dispersion compensation opticalfiber 100. ALC correction circuit 98 controls automatic level controlcircuit 66 so as to maintain the output wavelength-multiplexed opticalsignal in third part 3000 within a predetermined range.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating modification to the optical amplifyingapparatus illustrated in FIG. 16, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. More specifically, in FIG. 17, an optical filter A1is provided between the output of optical isolator 55 ₂ and opticalbranching coupler 54 ₂, at the input of photodiode (PD) 58 ₂. Also, anoptical filter A2 is provided between the output of optical isolator 55₄ and optical branching coupler 54 ₄, at the input of photodiode (PD) 58₅. Optical filters A1 and A2 are optical filters as disclosed, forexample, in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/655,027, which isincorporated herein by reference, for correcting wavelength dependencyof the gain.

FIG. 18(A) is a graph illustrating gain versus wavelengthcharacteristics of rare-earth-doped optical fiber (EDF) 52 ₂ in FIG. 17,FIG. 18(B) is a graph illustrating the transmissivity versus wavelengthof optical filter A2 in FIG. 17, and FIG. 18(C) is a graph illustratingoverall gain of rare-earth-doped optical fiber (EDF) 52 ₂ and opticalfilter A2 in FIG. 17, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

If, for example, rare-earth-doped optical fiber (EDF) 52 ₂ has awavelength-dependent gain characteristic as shown in FIG. 18(A), whereinthe gain is higher in the long wavelength range, providing a gaincorrection optical filter A2 at the input of photodiode (PD) 58 ₅ensures that the amplifier has an even gain with respect to wavelength.Providing optical filter A2 ensures that photodiode (PD) 58 ₅ receivesthe corrected multi-wavelength signal so that the unfavorablesensitivity characteristic, wherein the signal sensitivity is low in theshort wavelength range and high in the long wavelength range, iscorrected. Optical filters A1 and/or A2 may or may not be provided,depending on the use of rare-earth-doped optical fibers (EDF) 52 ₁ and52 ₂.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now toFIG. 19, the positioning of the first part 1000 and the second part 2000are essentially switched. Therefore, a wavelength-multiplexed opticalsignal is controlled to have a constant power level by second part 2000,and is then controlled by first part 1000 to have a constant gain.

More specifically, an input wavelength-multiplexed optical signal istransmitted to optical attenuator 64. The wavelength-multiplexed opticalsignal output from optical attenuator 64 is transmitted torare-earth-doped optical fiber 52 ₁ via optical isolator 55 ₁ andoptical wavelength multiplexing coupler 56 ₁. The amplifiedwavelength-multiplexed optical signal is output via optical isolator 55₂ and optical branching coupler 54 ₂.

A portion of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal branched byoptical branching coupler 54 ₁ is converted into an electrical signal byphotodiode 58 ₁ and fed to automatic level control circuit 66 andautomatic gain control circuit 60 ₁. Automatic level control circuit 66controls the optical attenuation provided by optical attenuator 64 sothat the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal has its level controlledto be within a predetermined range and is then transmitted to first part1000.

A portion of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal branched byoptical branching coupler 54 ₂ is converted into an electrical signal byphotodiode 58 ₂ and transmitted to automatic gain control circuit 60 ₁.Automatic gain control circuit 60 ₁ controls pump laser diode 59 ₁ sothat a ratio between a level of the wavelength-multiplexed opticalsignal input to, and output from, rare-earth-doped optical fiber 52 ₁ ismaintained at a constant level.

Therefore, second part 2000 causes the power level of thewavelength-multiplexed optical signal to be constant even when a signalinput via a transmission optical fiber varies greatly. As a result, awavelength-multiplexed optical signal having a constant level is inputto first part 1000. Accordingly, automatic gain control circuit 60 ₁ mayhave a small control zone and a relatively simple construction. Further,since the power level of the optical signal input to rare-earth-dopedoptical fiber 52 ₁ is prevented from exceeding a predetermined level, itis not necessary to raise the level of the pump laser beam supplied bypump laser diode 59 ₁. That is, pump laser diode 59 ₁ may have a smallcapacity.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an additional embodiment of the present invention. Theoptical amplifying apparatus illustrated in FIG. 20 is similar to theoptical amplifying apparatus in FIG. 19, but also includes opticalbranching coupler 54 ₃, photodiode (PD) 58 ₃ and monitor signalprocessing circuit 70.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a wavelength-multiplexed optical signalsupplied via a transmission optical fiber is input to variable opticalattenuator 64 and has a portion branched by optical branching coupler 54₃, converted into an electrical signal by photodiode 58 ₃ and input tomonitor signal processing circuit 70.

A control signal for giving warning of a variation in the number ofchannels may be superimposed on the wavelength-multiplexed opticalsignal by amplitude modulation or transmitted on a dedicated controlchannel. Upon extracting and identifying the control signal for givingwarning of a variation in the number of channels, monitor signalprocessing circuit 70 controls automatic level control circuit 66 andretains the optical attenuation provided by optical attenuator 64 at thecurrent level (thereby freezing the operation of optical attenuator 64)so that the optical output power is no longer maintained at a constantlevel.

When the change in the number of channels is completed, monitor signalprocessing circuit 70 allows optical attenuator 64 to resume its controlfor maintaining the optical output power at a constant level. With thisarrangement, it is possible to reduce or eliminate a rapid variation inthe power level of the optical signal.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to a further embodiment of the present invention. The opticalamplifying apparatus illustrated in FIG. 21 is similar to the opticalamplifying apparatus in FIG. 19, but includes ALC correction circuit 98.

ALC correction circuit 98 determines whether or not the power level ofthe output wavelength-multiplexed optical signal is within apredetermined range. If the power level is not within the predeterminedrange, ALC correction circuit 98 controls automatic level controlcircuit 66 so that the optical attenuation provided by opticalattenuator 64 causes the output wavelength-multiplexed optical signal tohave a power level within a predetermined range.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to a still further embodiment of the present invention. Theoptical amplifying apparatus illustrated in FIG. 22 is a combination ofthe optical amplifying apparatuses illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21.

Referring now to FIG. 22, ALC correction circuit 98 controls automaticlevel control circuit 66 so that the power level of the outputwavelength-multiplexed optical signal is within a predetermined range.Upon extracting and identifying a control signal for giving warning of avariation in the number of channels, monitor signal processing circuit70 freezes the automatic level control function so that the opticaloutput power is not longer maintained at a constant level.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating an optical amplifying apparatus,according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring now toFIG. 23, instead of controlling (freezing) the optical attenuator 64 soas to provide a constant attenuation when the number of channels isvaried, the optical amplifier as a whole is changed to the AGC mode whenthe number of channels is varied. Such a change can be achieved bycontrolling the ratio between the input to, and the output from, opticalattenuator 64, to be at a constant level. Such an operation istantamount to maintaining the gain G (0≦G≦1) of optical attenuator 64 orthe light transmissivity of optical attenuator 64 at a constant level.

Therefore, in FIG. 23, a switch 104 is controlled by monitor signalprocessing circuit 70 to switch between automatic level control providedby automatic level control circuit 66 and automatic gain controlprovided by an automatic gain control circuit 60 ₃. More specifically,for example, as illustrated in FIG. 4(A), monitor signal processingcircuit 70 causes switch 104 to select automatic level control circuit66 prior to, and subsequent to, a variation in the number of channels.While the number of channels is being varied, monitor signal processingcircuit 70 causes switch 104 to select automatic gain control circuit 60₃.

FIG. 23 also illustrates a laser diode (LD) 105 which is controlled bymonitor signal processing circuit 70 to transmit information todownstream optical components, such as downstream optical repeaters. Forexample, as described in more detail further below, laser diode (LD) 105can be used by monitor signal processing circuit 70 to transmitinformation to downstream optical components.

FIG. 24 is a more detailed diagram of the optical amplifying apparatusin FIG. 23. Referring now to FIG. 24, the operation is as follows:

(1) Normally (that is, when the number of channels are not beingvaried), switch 104 selects automatic level control circuit 66 so thatthe power level of light output from optical attenuator 64 is monitoredand maintained at a constant level.

(2) When monitor signal processing circuit 70 receives a signal warningof a change in the number of channels, a gain monitoring signal 107 ofautomatic gain control circuit 60 ₃ is read so that an average gain(attenuation) with respect to a time constant on the order of 10-100 msis determined.

(3) A reference voltage V_(AGC) corresponding to the average gaindetermined in (2) is output from monitor signal processing circuit 70 toautomatic gain control circuit 60 ₃.

(4) Switch 104 then selects automatic gain control circuit 60 ₃.

(5) Monitor signal processing circuit 70 receives information indicatingthe new number of channels to be included in the wavelength-multiplexedoptical signal.

(6) Monitors signal processing circuit 70 provides to automatic levelcontrol circuit 66 a reference voltage V_(ALC) corresponding to the newnumber of channels.

(7) Monitor signal processing circuit 70 receives a signal indicatingthat the variation in the number of channels is complete. Alternatively,a predetermined period of time lapses from the receipt of the signalwarning of the change in the number of channels.

(8) Switch 104 selects automatic level control circuit 66.

The relationship between an attenuation provided by optical attenuator64 and a driving current of control element 86 provided by transistor 80may depend on a parameter such as an operating temperature, but isgenerally a one-to-one relationship. Therefore, (2), above, may bereplaced by a process whereby the driving current is monitored (withrespect to the time constant on the order of 10-100 ms) so as todetermine an average gain (attenuation) based on the monitored drivingcurrent. The driving current may be controlled so that its average levelis maintained constant.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a fiber optical communication systememploying an optical amplifying apparatus according to embodiments ofthe present invention. Referring now to FIG. 25, a transmitter (Tx) 108transmits an SV light beam to a receiver (Rx) 110, where an SV lightbeam is light that is wavelength-multiplexed with a main signal. Themain signal is used to transmit information downstream. An opticalamplifier (O-AMP) 112 amplifies the SV light beam. Main signal control114 and monitor signal processing 116 are performed.

FIG. 26 is a more detailed diagram illustrating an optical amplifyingapparatus which includes optical amplifier 112, main signal control 114and monitor signal processing 116 of FIG. 25. The optical amplifyingapparatus in FIG. 26 is similar to the optical amplifying apparatus inFIG. 3, but includes laser diode (LD) 105 for sending an SV light beamdownstream.

More specifically, monitor signal processing circuit 70 inserts, in theSV light beam, information indicating when the attenuation, or lighttransmissivity, of the optical attenuator 64 will be held constant, or“frozen”. The SV light beam, carrying that information, is transmittedby laser diode (LD) 105 to the transmission line.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating a transmission line employing aplurality of optical amplifying apparatuses, according to embodiments ofthe present invention. Referring now to FIG. 27, awavelength-multiplexed optical communication system includestransmitters Tx 120, wavelength-multiplexed optical fiberamplifiers/repeaters OAMPs 122 and receivers Rx 124. When a variation inthe number of channels is processed, all the OAMPs 122 in the upstream(or downstream) line in the system are set into a constant optical gaincontrol.

A wavelength-multiplexed optical postamplifier (not illustrated) thatmay be provided in each transmitter Tx 120 and a wavelength-multiplexedoptical preamplifier (not illustrated) that may be provided in eachreceiver Rx 124 are also set into a constant gain control. When allOAMPS 122 are in a constant gain control state, the power of an opticalsignal fed to a light receiving element in receivers Rx 124 may vary.

In a transmission line having optical amplifying apparatuses asillustrated in FIG. 25-27, it is possible to determine whether or notall the optical fiber amplifiers in the path managed by a receiving end(Rx) on the transmission line have their attenuation fixed and theiroptical gain maintained at a constant level. Once it is determined thatall the optical fiber amplifiers have their optical gain maintained at aconstant level, information indicating the same is sent to thetransmitting end (Tx) via the backward path, whereupon a variation inthe number of channels can be started.

The following is an example of the operation flow in a transmission linehaving optical amplifying apparatuses as illustrated in FIGS. 25-27, forprocessing a variation in the number of channels.

(1) A signal warning of a variation in the number of channels is issuedfrom the upstream SV transmitting end (SVTx).

(2) Monitor signal processing circuit 70 of each OAMP receives thesignal warning of the variation in the number of channels.

(3) Each OAMP starts “freezing” the operation of the associated opticalattenuator.

(4) Each OAMP completes a freezing operation of the associated opticalattenuator and sends downstream information indicating that the constantoptical gain control is started by carrying that information on themonitor signal (an identification number for identifying the individualOAMPs is also inserted on the monitor signal).

(5) The upstream SV receiving end (SVRx) acknowledges that all of theupstream OAMPS are in the constant optical gain state.

(6) The downstream SV transmitting end (SVTx) announces that all theupstream OAMPs are in the constant optical gain state.

(7) The downstream SV receiving end (SVRx) acknowledges that all theupstream OAMPS are in the constant optical gain state.

(8) The upstream transmitting end (Tx) actually varies the number ofchannels.

(9) The upstream SV transmitting end (SVTx) issues informationindicating that the variation in the number of channels is completed.

(10) The monitor signal processing circuit 70 in each OAMP receives theinformation indicating that the variation in the number of channels iscompleted.

(11) Each OAMP cancels the freezing operation for freezing the operationof the associated optical attenuator and proceeds to the constantoptical output control.

(12) Each OAMP sends downstream information indicating that a shift tothe constant optical output control is completed, in the form of themonitor signal (an identification signal identifying the individualOAMPs is also sent).

(13) The upstream SV receiving end (SVRx) receives the informationindicating that all the OAMPs have processed the variation in the numberof channels.

(14) The information indicating that all of the OAMPs have processed thevariation in the number of channels is sent to the transmitting end.

FIG. 28 is a timing diagram illustrating the above-described operationflow.

Therefore, in the processing of the variation in the number of channels,a wavelength-multiplexed optical fiber amplifier is temporarily stoppedfrom performing an automatic level control function and, instead, ismade to perform a constant gain control function, or to cause theoptical amplifying apparatus, as a whole, to perform a constant gainfunction.

However, in an optical communication system, it is usually necessary tomaintain the power of an optical signal supplied to a light receivingelement at a constant level. Although a variation in the input power dueto polarization variation occurs under conventional circumstances, thecontrol for maintaining the optical gain of the optical fiber amplifierat a constant level causes the power of the optical signal supplied tothe light receiving element to vary.

This problem can be overcome by demultiplexing the optical signal intoindividual channels, and controlling the power level of the individualdemultiplexed channels.

More specifically, FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a portion of anoptical communication system, according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. Referring now to FIG. 29, a demultiplexer (DEMUX) 125demultiplexes a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal into individualchannels to be received by individual receivers 126. An opticalpreamplifier 127 and an automatic level control unit 128 is provided foreach channel, so that the associated receiver 126 receives an opticalsignal at a constant power level.

According to the above embodiments of the present invention, an opticalattenuator or an optical amplifier can be controlled to provide aconstant gain while the number of channels in a wavelength-multiplexedoptical signal are being varied. In this case, the gain G can be in therange (0≦G≦1). Thus, an optical attenuator can be controlled to providea constant gain by maintaining a constant ratio between the input andthe output of the optical attenuator.

According to the above embodiments of the present invention, arare-earth doped optical fiber used in an optical amplifier, where thedopant is erbium (Er). However, the present invention is not intended tobe limited to an erbium (Er) doped optical fiber. Instead, otherrare-earth-doped optical fibers, such as a neodymium (Nd)-doped opticalfiber or a praseodymium (Pd)-doped optical fiber, may also be used,depending on the wavelength involved. Further, for example, the variousphotodiodes disclosed herein can be replaced by phototransistors.

According to the above embodiments of the present invention, specificembodiments of automatic gain control circuits and automatic levelcontrol circuits are disclosed. However, the present invention is notintended to be limited to any specific circuit configuration for thesecircuits, or for other circuits disclosed herein. Instead, manydifferent circuit configuration can be used.

Moreover, according to the above embodiments of the present invention,an optical attenuation is used to provide a variable attenuation. Thereare many different types of known optical attenuators, and theembodiments of the present invention are not intended to be limited toany specific type of optical attenuator.

Although a few preferred embodiments of the present invention have beenshown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat changes may be made in these embodiments without departing from theprinciples and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined inthe claims and their equivalents.

1. An apparatus comprising: an optical amplifier which amplifies awavelength division multiplexed (WDM) light signal having a variablenumber of channels associated with different wavelengths; and means,receiving an indicator signal indicating initiation of changing thenumber of channels in the light signal, for, upon receipt of theindicator signal, controlling the optical amplifier to amplify the lightsignal with an approximately constant gain during a process of changingthe number of channels.